Iowa Triumphs Over Ohio State in Top-10 Wrestling Showdown

On January 25, the undefeated #2 Iowa Hawkeyes squared off against #4 Ohio State in an electrifying wrestling dual at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. The highly anticipated matchup delivered intense action, with Iowa securing a 24-13 victory over their Big Ten rivals.

125 lbs: Joey Cruz (Iowa) vs. Brendan McCrone (Ohio State) Cruz pulled off an upset over the higher-ranked McCrone, securing a 6-5 decision. Despite McCrone’s relentless top pressure in the third period, Cruz’s early takedowns were enough to clinch the win.

Final: Cruz (Iowa) dec. McCrone (Ohio State), 6-5 Team score: Iowa 3, Ohio State 0

133 lbs: Keyan Hernandez (Iowa) vs. Ben Davino (Ohio State) Ohio State’s Davino showcased his dominance with a series of takedowns and a cross-wrist tilt to earn a 19-4 tech fall, putting the Buckeyes on the board.

Final: Davino (Ohio State) TF Hernandez (Iowa), 19-4 Team score: Iowa 3, Ohio State 5

141 lbs: Ryder Block (Iowa) vs. Jesse Mendez (Ohio State) Mendez, the nation’s top-ranked wrestler at 141 lbs, overwhelmed Block with his aggressive offense, racking up takedowns and near-falls en route to a technical fall victory.

Final: Mendez (Ohio State) TF Block (Iowa), 19-2 Team score: Iowa 3, Ohio State 10

149 lbs: Kyle Parco (Iowa) vs. Dylan D’Emilio (Ohio State) Parco’s defensive prowess and counterattacks secured him an 8-3 decision win, narrowing Ohio State’s lead.

Final: Parco (Iowa) dec. D’Emilio (Ohio State), 8-3 Team score: Iowa 6, Ohio State 10

157 lbs: Jacori Teemer (Iowa) vs. Sammy Sasso (Ohio State) In his return from injury, Teemer impressed with a series of takedowns, securing a solid 10-5 win over Sasso.

Final: Teemer (Iowa) dec. Sasso (Ohio State), 10-5 Team score: Iowa 9, Ohio State 10

165 lbs: Mikey Caliendo (Iowa) vs. Paddy Gallagher (Ohio State) Caliendo dominated with multiple takedowns and strong mat control, earning an 11-3 major decision.

Final: Caliendo (Iowa) MD Gallagher (Ohio State), 11-3 Team score: Iowa 13, Ohio State 10

174 lbs: Patrick Kennedy (Iowa) vs. Carson Kharchla (Ohio State) Kharchla’s takedown efficiency and defensive strength secured him a crucial 7-3 win, tying the team score.

Final: Kharchla (Ohio State) dec. Kennedy (Iowa), 7-3 Team score: Iowa 13, Ohio State 13

184 lbs: Gabe Arnold (Iowa) vs. Ryder Rogotzke (Ohio State) Arnold pulled off a dramatic overtime win with a body lock takedown to give Iowa a much-needed lead.

Final: Arnold (Iowa) dec. Rogotzke (Ohio State), 4-1 SV-1 Team score: Iowa 16, Ohio State 13

197 lbs: Stephen Buchanan (Iowa) vs. Seth Shumate (Ohio State) Buchanan dominated with takedowns and tilts, securing an 18-1 technical fall and extending Iowa’s lead.

Final: Buchanan (Iowa) TF Shumate (Ohio State), 18-1 Team score: Iowa 21, Ohio State 13

285 lbs: Ben Kueter (Iowa) vs. Nick Feldman (Ohio State) In a strategic and hard-fought match, Kueter secured a 5-3 decision to cap off the night with a victory.

Final: Kueter (Iowa) dec. Feldman (Ohio State), 5-3 Final Team Score: Iowa 24, Ohio State 13

The Hawkeyes’ strong performance, highlighted by key victories in the upper weights, secured their undefeated record and showcased their depth and resilience. Both teams will look ahead to their next conference challenges, with Iowa traveling to top-ranked Auburn and Ohio State hosting South Carolina.